Clare 0-20 0-12 Antrim
Last updated on .From the section Northern Ireland
Antrim hurlers suffered their first defeat in the National League losing 0-20 to 0-12 against Clare in Ennis.
Clare led by 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time and went on a scoring spree after the interval hitting six points in a row.
Neil McManus and Shane McNaughton were prominent for the Saffrons who were missing their Loughgiel players.
Clare had defender Donal O'Donovan dismissed for a striking offence but had enough firepower to win it.
Antrim goalkeeper Chris O'Connell made two superb saves just before the break to keep the Saffrons in the game.
A Neil McManus brace helped Antrim to a 0-4 to 0-3 lead after 15 minutes. Clare then scored four in a row before Antrim replied with points from McManus and Karl Stewart.
Clare hit back with two points from Nicky O'Connell who troubled the Antrim defence throughout the game.
Brian McFall was the only Antrim player to score from play after the break as Clare produced a strong second half display.
